Steam-condenser.



H. A. BUG, JR.

STEAM CONDENSER.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 15. 1901.

Patented May 18, 1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

Q/vi hwaaaa THE NORRIS PETERS 60.. PHOTG-LITHQ, WASHINGTON. D. C.

H. A. BUG

STEAM CONDENSER. APPLICATION man MAY 15. 1907.

Am 1 m2. H 0Q 1 y; n M E Nu d 6 t H .6 uv 3 D1 THE NORRIS PETERS 60., PHOTO-LITHQ, WASHINGTON 0. C.

El 1TB AT PEN FEQE.

HENRY A. DUO, JR., OF CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA.

STEAM-CONDENSER.

Application filed May 15, 1907.

T all whom it may concern Be it known that I, HENRY A. DUO, J12, of Charleston, in the county of Charleston and State of South Carolina, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Steam-Condensers.

This invention is a novel apparatus for condensing steam and utilizing the heretofore waste kinetic energy thereof and it may be briefly termed a steam condenser motor.

The objects of the invent-ion are first, to recover and utilize the escaping heat energy in exhaust steam after it has given up as much of its kinetic energy as the engine through which it has passed will ordinarily absorb, by passing such steam through a motor-condenser of novel construction, wherein the reclaimed energy is converted into motion; and secondly to utilize the motor-condenser to operate a multi-stage pump that will return the condensed steam o the boiler at a temperature just below the vaporizing point of water, and to also force into the boiler from an external source, any quantity of water required to replace that which is lost through leakage or otherwise in the operation of the engine. I also utilize the motor-condenser to operate a pump to circulate the cold water through the condenser tubes, and by a novel arrangement cause the circulating pump to maintain a high vacuum in the condenser.

Another object is to dispense with the useless and wasteful baffle-plates employed in condensers, and also to dispense with the necessity for independent air pumps, feed and water circulating pumps when the apparatus is used as a condenser.

Further while amachine constructed within this invention is especially adapted for use as an efficient condenser, it can also be used as a low-pressure pumping engine, or feed-water heater.

Another object is to avoid as much as possible all frictional contact between surfaces, which absorb a great deal of power and require the employment of lubricants, and to utilize as far as possible the condensed steam as a lubricator.

I will now explain the invention in detail in connection with the accompanying drawings which illustrate practical embodiments thereof.

Figure 1 is a central vertical section Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 18, 1915.

Serial No. 373,787.

through the complete condenser-motor. Fig. 2 is a part plan and part horizontal section of Fig. 1 on the line 22. Fig. 3 is a vertical section of a slight modification of the condenser-motor. Fig. 4c is a part plan and part horizontal section through Fig. 3 on the line M. Fig. 5 is a detail vertical section through the condenser cooling tubes. Figs. 6 and 7 are detail side and plan views showing one manner of arranging the inlet and turbine wheel. Figs. 8 and 9 are plan and sectional views of another modification of such inlet. Figs. 10 and 11 are details.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the motorcondenser has an annular chamber 1 closed at top and bottom but transfixed by a series of preferably vertical tubes C whose ends are secured in the top and bottom plates 1*, 1*, of the chamber after the manner of condenser tubes.

Above the annular chamber 1 is an annular casting 2 whose interior is provided with series of pockets 2 and below plate 1 is a similar casting 2 having a seaes of pockets 2; the pockets 2, 2", are arranged to alternate in position as indicated in Fig. 5 so that water which is admitted into the lower series of pockets by pipes G will be caused to circulate up and down through pipes C between the pockets 2 2 as illustrated in Figs. 1, 3 and 5 the water eventually escaping through openings H in casting 2 which openings may be connected to any suitable pipe or receiver for the waste water.

Located axially of the chamber 1 is a turbine wheel B which as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is a reaction turbine and provided with curved outlet passages I) through which the steam is discharged tangentially into chamber 1 and against the series of pipes C therein. This wheel B as shown in Fig. 1 is preferably hung on the lower end of a tubular shaft 3 which has collars 3 on its lower end fitted in annular recesses in journal hearings in the hub of the wheel by which the turbine is suspended on said shaft when the motor-condenser is arranged as in the position shown in Fig. 1.

Fixed on the shaft above the hub of the wheel is a conical casting 3 which is provided with tubular arms 3 depending into an annular groove B in the hub of wheel B which groove is adapted to catch any oil which may overflow from the bearings, and

as the turbine rotates this oil will be forced up into the tubular arms of casting 3, sa d arms communicating with a channel 3 1n shaft 3 and which channel communicates with a pipe 0' connecting with an oil-trap 0, said oil-trap also communicates by a pipe 0 with a channel 3 in shaft 3 which leads to the bottom of the journal, see Flgs. 1 and 10. In this way oil can be continuously supplied to the journal and at the same time any overflow oil will be carried up to the oil-trap O and not allowed to pass into the condensing chamber 1. This oil-trap O is connected with valved pipe O which communicates with the condensing chamber 1.

The shaft 3 may be suspended centrally within an annular casting 3 by radial ribs- 3* which may be separated from the plate 1 byannular casting 1 as shown. The castlng 8 forms the inlet of the motor-condenser and may be connected with any suitable steam supply or the exhaust of any engine and series of engines whose waste steam 1S to be condensed and utilized. a This connection can be made by pipes in any desired manner and requires no special illustration in the drawings.

It will be observed that steam enterlng casting 3 is directed downwardly into turbine B and then discharged tangentially into chamber 1, its reaction rotating wheel B at high speed.

The space below wheel B can be closed by a casting 1 which is provided withradial pipes or passages D through which any water of condensation in chamber 1 is carried to the central chamber E which connects with a rotary multi-stage pump F, F in axial alinement with the shaft 8.

The pipes D may be provided with valves d as shown, and between the valve (Z and chamber 1 pipes e and 6 may be tapped into pipes D for the purpose hereinafter explained.

The multi-stage pump F, F may be of the well-known rotary or centrifugal pump construction and its rotating parts are mounted on a shaft 4: which is in axial alinement with shaft 3 and has its upper end connected with the end of the hub of wheel B as shown so as to be rotated by and with the latter, the lower end of said shaft may be provided with annular flanges as shown at 4 secured in a bearing formed below the multi-stage pump in a casting G forming the upper portion of a rotary pump G which is in axial alinement with shaft 4: and has its rotating parts attached to the lower end of shaft 4 as shown in Fig. 1. The pump F discharges into pump F and the latter is or may be connected by pipes f provided with spring valves 7 to the boiler or other 'receptacle for the condensed water. -The op-' eration in connection with the boiler is hereinafter explained.

The inlet of pump G is connected by a pipe K to any suitable water supply. The inlet 9 of pump G is surrounded by an annular suction chamber J which is connected by pipes 0 provided with a valve 0 with the chamber 1. The .outlet of pump G is connected by pipe G with the Pockets 2 as shown, the pipes G being provided with valves 9.

Before describing the operation of this engine I will briefly describe the modification shown in Fig. 3. In this instance the turbine B is replaced by an ordinary vaneturbine B which is mounted directly on the shaft S which takes the place of shafts 3 and a the lower end of shaft S being stepped in the upper end of the casing of pump G corresponding to shaft 4 in Fig. 1 and the upper end of shaft S being journaled in a casting Gwhich takes the place of casting 8 and which is provided with a series of blades a which are arranged above and inclined op positely to the vanes of wheel B Thie'annular opening'in casting 6 may be covered by head A indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1 and may be connected to the exhaust of an engine or engines in any well known manner- The other parts of the condenser are constructed similar to that shown and described and similar parts are similarly lettered in the drawings so that further detailed description thereof is unnecessary. However in order to' prevent oil escaping from the upper bearing of shaft S onto wheel B and passing thence into the con-' densing chamber 1, I may provide wheel 13 with annular inlet curved flange 6 under which projects'a scroop-up pipe. a which may lead to an oil-trap,not shown. And

steam be admitted under this flange b 05 through a pipe 6 connecting with the steam inlet as shown in Fig. 3.

The operation of the motor-condenser as applied to the exhaust of steam engines is as follows: The exhaust from the engine (not shown) flows into the steam inlet (3 or A) of the condenser, and is guided into the reaction turbine B (or against the vanes of wheel B) and causes such turbine or wheel 'to rotate rapidly. The latter revolves the disks of the multi-stage pump F, F, and rotates the circulating pump G thereby forcing water through pipes G and the condensing tubes C in chamber 1 and finally out at H, 1-1. As the water rushes through the jet 9 into pump G a partial vacuum is produced in chamber J, and this through pipes c,10,"exhausts the chamber 1. As the water flows through the condensing tubes C, it cools the latter and condenses the steam, contacting therewith. The steam after imparting rotation to the turbine is distributed equally over the annular set of tubes C, and at the same time being equally dis'tributed in chamber 1 by centrifugal action, the wet by centrifugal action. The blast of steam will sweep off the hot films of water (a bad conductor of heat) condensing on the tubes, and expose their surfaces to direct steam contact. As the tubes C are preferably vertical, the water of condensation drains quickly therefrom into the bottom of chamher 1 andfalls by gravity into the pump F, F. The pressure on the water will be raised until it can lift the spring check valve f, f, (regulated a little above boiler pressure,) so that the pump F, F, will work against a constant head, and have an upward balancing pressure independent of any varying pressure in the boiler, and thereby diminish the friction due to the weight of the rotating parts.

In starting, the valve in pipe 6 (which opens to the atmosphere,) is opened when necessary until the pumps operate, then the valve is closed and after a suflicient vacuum is produced in the condenser the valve in pipe 6 may be opened to admit water to maintain the desired amount in the apparatus. The steam that may leak between the shaft and the casing of the multi-stage pump F, F, will serve as a lubricant for the bearing flanges e and save the use of oil, as condensed steam is free from grit.

The pipes D, D, are furnished with valves (Z, (Z, pipes G, G, have valves 9, g, pipes 0, 0, have valves 0, c, as convenient means of regulating the flow. Practically any form of engine may be connected to this type of condenser motor. A conical inlet provided with or without guide vanes as indicated in Figs. 8 and 9 or an annular space having inlet pipes at a tangent as in Figs. 6 and 7 so as to guide the impinging steam against the revolving vanes, without shock, may be used instead of a fixed baffle plate, which converts its motion into heat and prevents its onward contact With the condenser tubes.

As the steam rushes downward into the annular opening of the condenser in the modification shown in Fig. 3, it is guided by the vanes of the casting 6 against the vanes of the wheel B, so that its motion is utilized, and results in an equalization of the heat over the entire surface of the condensing tubes, arranged annularly in the condensing chamber 1, and this has the advantage of separating the water of condensation from the steam, by the centrifugal action, and keeps the tubes clean so that the steam can directly contact therewith.

The high velocity that steam acquires while rushing into a vacuum, produces a kinetic energy equal to the square of its ve locity multiplied by half its weight; this energy is usually wasted and converted into heat by being thrown against baflie plates or similar distributing surfaces, which requires extra cooling water to operate the condenser, and increases the cost of liquidizing the steam, but by my invention this hitherto waste kinetic energy is substantially wholly utilized to impart motion to the turbines, and the latter drive the circulating and feed pumps.

My condenser motor and combination of pumps will make an eiiicient pumping engine, extracting energy from the exhaust steam of an ordinary engine, (which is usually wasted) and turn it into useful work. I therefore do not wish to limit the invention to the construction shown herein, as its form, openings, and arrangement of pipes will admit of changes without any material deviation from the essential features of the invention, the embodiments illustrated in the drawings show only some of the many forms of construction which may be varied according to conditions of use.

Fig. 11 is a plan view of an annular flange provided with flanged openings so as to contact the steam inlet A with almost any kind of exhaust pipes.

Having thus described my invention what I therefore claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent thereon is:

1. In a condenser, the combination of an annular condensing chamber, a series of water circulating pipes arranged vertically in said chamber, a turbine wheel in the condenser adapted to be operated by the kinetic energy of the incoming exhaust steam and to discharge such steam centrifugally into said chamber and against the condensing pipes therein.

2. In a condenser, the combination of an annular condensing chamber, a series of water circulating pipes arranged vertically in said chamber, a turbine wheel in the condenser adapted to be operated by the kinetic energy of the incoming exhaust steam and to discharge such steam centrifugally into said chamber and against the condensing pipes therein; with two centrifugal pumps in axial alinement with and driven by said turbine wheel, one of said pumps connected with the condensing chamber to discharge water of condensation therefrom, and the other of said pumps connecting with a water supply and with the condensing pipes to circulate water therethrough.

3. In a condenser, the combination of a condensing chamber, an annular series of tubes extending vertically through said chamber, means operated by the kinetic en-' ergy of the exhaust steam entering said condenser for discharging such steam centrifugally outward against the tulres, means for withdrawing water of condensation from the chamber, and means for forcing water through said tubes.

4. In a condenser, the combination of an annular condensing chamber, an annular series of tubes in said chamber extending Cit therethrough, a turbine Wheel operated by the kinetic energy of the exhaust steam discharging such steam centrifugally outward against the tubes, a rotary pump for with drawing water of condensation from the chamber, and a rotary pump for forcing Water through the condenser tubes.

5. In a condenser, the combination of an annular chamber, a series of tubes extending therethrough, means operated by the kinetic energy of the exhaust steam entering said condenser for discharging such steam centrifugally outward against the tubes, a series of pockets above and below the chamber communicating with the tubes, the pockets I above the chamber alternating With those below it to 'cause the Water to rise and fall through difierent successive tubes.

6. In a condenser, the combination of a condensing chamber having an axial inlet and an annular series of condensing tubes,

a rotary turbine Wheel located Within the condenserand adapted to be operated by the kinetic energy of theinfiovving steam and to discharge the steam tangentially against the Walls of the chamber and condensing tubes, means for Withdrawing Water of condensation from said chamber, and a rotary pump operated by said turbine adapted to create a suction in the saidchamber and to force Water through the condenser tubes. 7 V f 7. In a condenser, the combination of a condensing chamber, a series of condensing tubes extending through said chamber, a steam inlet at one end of the condenser, a turbine wheel located axially of the chamber and adapted to be operated by the inflowing steam and discharging it into said chamber, rotary pumps driven by said turbine, pipes connecting one of said pumps With the condensing chamber to Withdraw Water of condensation therefrom, and pipes connecting theother of said pumps ith the condensing tubes to supply Water thereto, and pipes connected With the latter pump and With the condensing chamber to produce a vacuum in the latter.

8. In a condenser, the combination of an annular condensing chamber, a series of condensing tubes extending therethrough, a steam inlet at one end of the condenser, a turbine Wheel located axially of the chamber and adapted to be operated by the kinetic energy of the inflowing steam from the inlet and discharging it tangentially against the condensing tubes to separate the steam by centrifugal action, a pair of rotary pumps arranged in axial alinement with and driven by said turbine, pipes connecting one of said pumps with the condensing chamber to Withdraw Water of condensation therefrom, and pipes connecting the other of said pumps With the condensing tubes to supply water thereto.

iie'etocs 9i In a condensing apparatus, the combination of a surface condenser, meansffor'introducing exhaust steam thereto, a turbine receiving the steam and operated by the kinetic energy thereof, and discharging steam against the condensing surfaces, and

a pump operated by said turbine fororemov-c ing the Water of condensation the con- I densing chamber.

l0. In a condensing apparatus the combi nation of a surface. condenser, means for supplyingexhaust steam thereto, a turbine receiving the steam and operated by the kinetic energy thereof discharging steam against the condensing surfaces, and a pump operated by said turbine for forcing the cooling Water from the condensing 11. In a condenser as eointitatienef a 7 surface condensing apparatus, means for supplying exhaust steam thereto, a turbine receiving the a steam and operated by the kinetic energy thereof and. discharging steam against the condensing surface, and pumps operated by's'aid turbine for respectively vvithdrawing the Water 6f condensa through the condensing pipes. v

12. In a condenser the combination of a condensing chamber, a turbine, ivheel 'inthe condenser, andmeans for supplying exhaust steam to said Wheel, said vvheel being adapted to be operated by the kinetic energy tion, and for circulating the cooling Water of the incoming exhaust steam and dischar ing the spent steam into said chamber.

13. In combinatioma condensing chamber, a turbine Wheel, means, for supplying steam to said Wheel; said Wheel being adapted to be operated by the kinetic energy of the infiowing steam and to discharge steam into said chamber, and a pump operated by said turbine Wheel adapted to discharge the water of condensation.

14. In a condenser, the combination of a condensing chamber, a steaminlet thereto, a turbine Wheel interposed between the steain inlet and said chamber and adapted to receive the inflowing steam andbe operated by the kinetic energy and to discharge such steam into said chamber; and a centrifugal multi sta'ge pump operated by said turbine and adapted to discharge the Water of condensation from said chamber.

15. In a condenser, the'combination of an annular condensing chamber, a rotary turbine Wheel, means for conducting exhaust steam to the inlet; said Wheel being adapted conduct exhaust steam to said Wheel, said Wheel being operated by the kinetic energy of the incoming exhaust steam and discharging the entering steam centrifugally into said chamber, a rotary pump operated by said Wheel and adapted to discharge Water of condensation from said chamber, and a rotary pump also operated by said Wheel and connected With a Water supply and With the Water circulating pipes of said chamber, substantially as described.

17. In combination, a condensing chamber, means for conducting exhaust steam thereto, a turbine Wheel adapted to receive the exhaust steam and be operated by the kinetic energy thereof and to discharge the steam into said chamber; with centrifugal pumps driven by said turbine Wheel, one of said pumps connecting With the condensing chamber to discharge Water of condensation therefrom, and the other of said pumps connecting With a Water supply and With the condensing pipes to circulate Water therethrough.

18. In a condenser, the combination of an annular condensing chamber, means for conducting exhaust steam thereinto, a series of condensing pipes extending therethrough, a rotary turbine Wheel adapted to receive the exhaust steam and be rotated by the kinetic energy thereof, a rotary pump operated by said turbine, a Water supply connected With the inlet of said pump and connections between the outlet of said pump and the condensing pipes or cooling pipes of the condenser, and a rotary discharge pump operated by said Wheel and adapted to discharge Water of condensation from said chamber, substantially as described.

19. In a condenser, the combination of a condensing chamber, means for conducting exhaust steam thereto, a turbine located centrally of said chamber and adapted to receive the exhaust steam and discharge it thereinto, and adapted to be operated by the kinetic energy of the infiowing exhaust steam, a rotary pump for Withdrawing Water of condensation from said chamber, and a rotary pump for forcing the cooling Water through the condenser, said pumps being operated by said turbine.

20. In a condenser, the combination of a condensing chamber having an axial steam inlet, a set of cooling tubes therein, a rotary turbine Wheel Within the condenser adapted to receive the exhaust steam and be operated by the kinetic energy thereof and discharge it into the chamber, means for Withdrawing Water of condensation from said chamber, a rotary pump operated by said turbine adapted to create a suction in the said chamber.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my oWn, I aiiix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

HENRY A. DUO, JR.

l/Vitnesses S. C. H

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner, of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

